[thisnthat]

The first rule I would make is that the post should be informative to the users and they should be able to gain some knowledge. The posts need not to be of high grammar but it should be in a understandable way for the readers. And they should not post topics just for the sake of money.

Well, let's be honest. People are posting for the sake of money. That is the only reason I joined any of the paid forums I'm on. Yes, I like some of them, but I wouldn't have even found them if it weren't for paid posting. Even so, people should still try to do a good job.

I do understand why the owners want good quality and grammar. I just don't feel that perfection is realistic.

[DreekLass]

I agree that people should always try to contribute something useful or interesting. That is, at the end of the day, what the posters are getting paid for. But I also agree that perfection is simply not realistic.

[Angie10]

This has happened to me on a number of PL forums. So it could have been any number of forums that you saw me on. It makes for such an awkward and undesirable forum atmosphere, which is why they hire us I suppose. But still.

I think if some of them were a little more easy going with all the rules, they'd get more people posting. Some just try way too hard or expect everything to be perfect. Regular members don't make perfect posts, so I think they need to stop trying to be an English professor and just let people have a natural conversation.

When I see a huge page full of rules, lots of CAPS and !!!! and even threats, before even getting started... I just walk away. I can't be bothered signing up for something like that. You just know they are going to be looking for reasons to give bad ratings.

Oh gosh no, not caps! Or even people who write these long posts with no paragraphs. No, just NO LOL!!

I'm surprised that nobody's said anything here about not allowing any foul language and/or trolling. That for me is one of the most important rules, because I wouldn't want any of my writers to feel bullied or out of place.

[thisnthat]

I'm surprised that nobody's said anything here about not allowing any foul language and/or trolling. That for me is one of the most important rules, because I wouldn't want any of my writers to feel bullied or out of place.

Good point. I'm not as bothered by some words as I am others, but anything vulgar or truly profane, yeah, it should go without saying that it's not allowed. Of course, it probably does have to be said these days.

I hate trolls. People who go out of their way to offend or upset others, should be banned in my opinion, for the sake of the other members. I'd probably warn them off, but if they kept it up.. gone. I've seen someone nearly destroy a forum on his own. I couldn't believe he was let go on for as long as he was.

[DreekLass]

I am one who thinks that some profanity here and there is awesome seasoning for life lol. A well placed curse word can really work at times, but just rants of profanity are a bad look for any forum, I think.

[thisnthat]

I am one who thinks that some profanity here and there is awesome seasoning for life lol. A well placed curse word can really work at times, but just rants of profanity are a bad look for any forum, I think.

Well, I won't go so far as to call them awesome, but I guess they do get the point across sometimes. I think they lose their impact when used too often. I think it really depends on the word too. I mean, "what the h...?" is more of an exclamation than a curse, so to speak. Some words are just ugly to use in polite company though. If it's making other members uncomfortable to the point of leaving, it should be stopped.

[DreekLass]

I am one who thinks that some profanity here and there is awesome seasoning for life lol. A well placed curse word can really work at times, but just rants of profanity are a bad look for any forum, I think.

Well, I won't go so far as to call them awesome, but I guess they do get the point across sometimes. I think they lose their impact when used too often. I think it really depends on the word too. I mean, "what the h...?" is more of an exclamation than a curse, so to speak. Some words are just ugly to use in polite company though. If it's making other members uncomfortable to the point of leaving, it should be stopped.

I think it is awesome. Especially in a relaxed setting with friends or family. Profanity can really make a joke pop, or convey the true essence of the point you are trying to get across. Words are tools, as are profane words. How we use them, however, is what defines them. But some people are so sensitive to 'curse,' words that even if they aren't used in an offensive manner, people react. But if a forum owner who is paying me tells me no profanity, I will listen.

[thisnthat]

I think it is awesome. Especially in a relaxed setting with friends or family. Profanity can really make a joke pop, or convey the true essence of the point you are trying to get across. Words are tools, as are profane words. How we use them, however, is what defines them. But some people are so sensitive to 'curse,' words that even if they aren't used in an offensive manner, people react. But if a forum owner who is paying me tells me no profanity, I will listen.

This was being discussed elsewhere and one forum owner said that all profanity is strictly prohibited due to the fact that his advertisers take issue with it. He has been penalized and threatened with losing advertisers for such things. Having seen some pretty... questionable ads on some sites, I was kind of surprised to hear this. I guess it depends on the topic, the audience, and the advertisers, to some degree.

[DreekLass]

I think it is awesome. Especially in a relaxed setting with friends or family. Profanity can really make a joke pop, or convey the true essence of the point you are trying to get across. Words are tools, as are profane words. How we use them, however, is what defines them. But some people are so sensitive to 'curse,' words that even if they aren't used in an offensive manner, people react. But if a forum owner who is paying me tells me no profanity, I will listen.

This was being discussed elsewhere and one forum owner said that all profanity is strictly prohibited due to the fact that his advertisers take issue with it. He has been penalized and threatened with losing advertisers for such things. Having seen some pretty... questionable ads on some sites, I was kind of surprised to hear this. I guess it depends on the topic, the audience, and the advertisers, to some degree.

Really? I never would have even considered this? I am surprised that it was explained why no profanity was allowed. Usually it is just one of the rules and you aren't told anymore about it. But it makes sense.

[thisnthat]

Really? I never would have even considered this? I am surprised that it was explained why no profanity was allowed. Usually it is just one of the rules and you aren't told anymore about it. But it makes sense.

Yeah, I didn't know it either. That explanation makes it a bit more understandable. I guess they figure they don't have to explain, and judging by some of the ones I've seen, they'd probably bite your head off for asking.

I wouldn't want just a bunch of flat out foul stuff all over my forum anyway, but I'd be ticked if the rants of a few cost me advertising dollars.

[DreekLass]

Really? I never would have even considered this? I am surprised that it was explained why no profanity was allowed. Usually it is just one of the rules and you aren't told anymore about it. But it makes sense.

Yeah, I didn't know it either. That explanation makes it a bit more understandable. I guess they figure they don't have to explain, and judging by some of the ones I've seen, they'd probably bite your head off for asking.

I wouldn't want just a bunch of flat out foul stuff all over my forum anyway, but I'd be ticked if the rants of a few cost me advertising dollars.

See, I had always thought that it was a moral choice by forum owners, and that always sort of rubbed me the wrong way, but obviously it is not my forum, so I shouldn't really be making that choice for them, especially if I am being paid to post.

[thisnthat]

See, I had always thought that it was a moral choice by forum owners, and that always sort of rubbed me the wrong way, but obviously it is not my forum, so I shouldn't really be making that choice for them, especially if I am being paid to post.

Well, I think (like me) you don't like the idea of being censored. For the most part, I think people should be able to converse naturally. Still, as you said, it is their forum, so they have the final say.

I had an instructor tell me once (in regard to writing) "don't write anything you wouldn't say in front of your own mother," unless your content is clearly labeled as adult (and some adults don't like off color language either).

[DreekLass]

See, I had always thought that it was a moral choice by forum owners, and that always sort of rubbed me the wrong way, but obviously it is not my forum, so I shouldn't really be making that choice for them, especially if I am being paid to post.

Well, I think (like me) you don't like the idea of being censored. For the most part, I think people should be able to converse naturally. Still, as you said, it is their forum, so they have the final say.

I had an instructor tell me once (in regard to writing) "don't write anything you wouldn't say in front of your own mother," unless your content is clearly labeled as adult (and some adults don't like off color language either).

LOL. Obviously, these people aren't aware of some of the relationships that people have with their mothers lol. I swear in front of my mother. Not all the time, but when it is necessary, it comes out. It is usually used humorously, and if I do swear out of negativity in front of her, it is usually not directed toward her but to something else that has upset me.

You are right. I hate being censored. I really do.

[thisnthat]

Ha, that's true. Some people's mothers or even grandmothers swear like sailors too. I grew up in a place where that was pretty common. My own mother doesn't curse (never has) and doesn't like it though.

Yep, being censored is lame. I can deal with not using profanity, but I really hate it if they try to censor people for opinions. I thought discussion forums were for sharing opinions.

I think political correctness has become way too extreme. The thought police can kiss my ...

[DreekLass]

Ha, that's true. Some people's mothers or even grandmothers swear like sailors too. I grew up in a place where that was pretty common. My own mother doesn't curse (never has) and doesn't like it though.

Yep, being censored is lame. I can deal with not using profanity, but I really hate it if they try to censor people for opinions. I thought discussion forums were for sharing opinions.

I think political correctness has become way too extreme. The thought police can kiss my ...

I could not agree more!!! I don't like to be censored anyway, but especially on a forum, where it is designed for discussion. But at the same time, if you are trying to project a certain image, especially if ads are coming into it, then it makes sense to censor posters. But it needs to be at a limit.

[thisnthat]

Ha, that's true. Some people's mothers or even grandmothers swear like sailors too. I grew up in a place where that was pretty common. My own mother doesn't curse (never has) and doesn't like it though.

Yep, being censored is lame. I can deal with not using profanity, but I really hate it if they try to censor people for opinions. I thought discussion forums were for sharing opinions.

I think political correctness has become way too extreme. The thought police can kiss my ...

I could not agree more!!! I don't like to be censored anyway, but especially on a forum, where it is designed for discussion. But at the same time, if you are trying to project a certain image, especially if ads are coming into it, then it makes sense to censor posters. But it needs to be at a limit.

I think it's a balancing act. Allow people to converse in ways that are natural and comfortable, while at the same time, hoping they won't cross any lines (that run off other members or advertisers). Then, if they do cross the line, you have to decide the best strategy for dealing with it.

I think the simplest solution is to have a concise but well though out set of rules to begin with. That way, people know what is expected of them (as well as what is frowned upon). I think it's easier than trying to figure it out as you go...

[remnant]

I suppose everyone has a moral police in the form of conscience, that is self censorship. But people are not the same as most would not listen to the laws written in their hearts and would specialize in trolling. Therefore the latter would be one of my rules. No trolling or rude statements and curse words if you don't agree with someone's point of view. Again, no pornographic or sexually explicit content which is a sure website reputation killer.

[DreekLass]

Ha, that's true. Some people's mothers or even grandmothers swear like sailors too. I grew up in a place where that was pretty common. My own mother doesn't curse (never has) and doesn't like it though.

Yep, being censored is lame. I can deal with not using profanity, but I really hate it if they try to censor people for opinions. I thought discussion forums were for sharing opinions.

I think political correctness has become way too extreme. The thought police can kiss my ...

I could not agree more!!! I don't like to be censored anyway, but especially on a forum, where it is designed for discussion. But at the same time, if you are trying to project a certain image, especially if ads are coming into it, then it makes sense to censor posters. But it needs to be at a limit.

I think it's a balancing act. Allow people to converse in ways that are natural and comfortable, while at the same time, hoping they won't cross any lines (that run off other members or advertisers). Then, if they do cross the line, you have to decide the best strategy for dealing with it.

I think the simplest solution is to have a concise but well though out set of rules to begin with. That way, people know what is expected of them (as well as what is frowned upon). I think it's easier than trying to figure it out as you go...

It is certainly a balancing act, but I find that once you find your groove as a poster, it becomes second nature to you, and you just know how to behave on different forums. You sort of begin to sense the energy of particular forums, and wa la

[thisnthat]

It is certainly a balancing act, but I find that once you find your groove as a poster, it becomes second nature to you, and you just know how to behave on different forums. You sort of begin to sense the energy of particular forums, and wa la

Hmm, I hadn't really thought about it like that, but it does make sense. Thinking about it now, I do have a different sense of different forums. Some I can't wait for the points to reset, others I kind of dread (usually the ones that are really slow and don't have much going on... lack of energy).

I guess the key for the forum owner is to create that good energy and then find a way to keep it.

[DreekLass]

It is certainly a balancing act, but I find that once you find your groove as a poster, it becomes second nature to you, and you just know how to behave on different forums. You sort of begin to sense the energy of particular forums, and wa la

Hmm, I hadn't really thought about it like that, but it does make sense. Thinking about it now, I do have a different sense of different forums. Some I can't wait for the points to reset, others I kind of dread (usually the ones that are really slow and don't have much going on... lack of energy).

I guess the key for the forum owner is to create that good energy and then find a way to keep it.

Yes, for every forum that I post on, I have an energetic image of it in my mind, and you will pick it up pretty quickly. From that moment, you mind sort of chooses words and things to talk about that will fit within the parameters of those energetic boundaries. Another thing to say is that each forum has its own personality, and with different personalities, we ourselves behave differently.

Good energy is essential for any forum. I see some forums that have interesting topics but from the forum criteria, set by the forum owner, it sets a bad tone.